Science & Nature • Animal

Stingray

Stingrays are flat-bodied rays in the suborder Myliobatoidei, known for their disc-shaped bodies and long tails, which in many species carry a venomous spine.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Stingrays are flat-bodied rays in the suborder Myliobatoidei, known for their disc-shaped bodies and long tails, which in many species carry a venomous spine. They live in warm marine waters worldwide, and some species also occur in freshwater. Stingrays are bottom-dwelling predators that feed mainly on small animals such as worms, mollusks, crustaceans, and fish.

Description

Stingrays are cartilaginous fishes with broad, flattened bodies and pectoral fins that form a disc-like shape. Their long tails often carry a defensive spine, which can cause painful wounds. Many species have one or more sharp, venomous tail spines used for defense.

Habitat and distribution

Most stingrays live in shallow coastal waters in warm temperate and tropical regions. Some species are found in freshwater environments, such as rivers and lakes, and a few live in open ocean waters.

Diet and feeding

Stingrays are carnivores that feed on animals living on or near the seafloor. Their diet includes worms, clams, oysters, shrimp, crabs, mussels, and other small animals.

Human interactions

Stingrays are generally not aggressive and usually sting only when stepped on or otherwise threatened. Their stings can be painful and, in rare cases, dangerous. According to reports, a stingray barb pierced the chest of Steve Irwin near the heart, causing fatal injuries and cardiac arrest.

Key facts

Stingrays are rays with flattened bodies and flexible tails.
Many species have one or more sharp, venomous tail spines used for defense.
They are usually bottom dwellers and often rest partly buried in sand or mud.
Stingrays occur in warm coastal waters around the world, and some species live in rivers or lakes.
Their diet includes worms, clams, oysters, shrimp, crabs, mussels, and other small animals.

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Canadian context

Stingrays are not native to most Canadian waters, but they are relevant to Canadian readers through aquariums, travel, marine biology, and conservation coverage of warm-water species.

Frequently asked questions

What is a stingray?

A stingray is a flat-bodied ray, a type of cartilaginous fish, with a long tail and, in many species, a venomous spine used for defense.

Are stingrays dangerous?

Stingrays are usually not aggressive, but their tail spines can inflict painful wounds if they are stepped on or otherwise threatened.

What is the difference between a stingray and a manta ray?

Stingrays usually have a defensive tail spine and live near the seafloor, while manta rays do not have a stinging spine and are more open-water swimmers.

How did Steve Irwin die from a stingray?

According to reports, a stingray barb pierced his chest near the heart, causing fatal injuries and cardiac arrest.

Where do stingrays live?

Most stingrays live in warm, shallow coastal waters, but some species also live in freshwater rivers and lakes.

What do stingrays eat?

Stingrays eat bottom-dwelling animals such as worms, clams, oysters, shrimp, crabs, mussels, and small fish.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/stingray
Supports: Definition, body form, habitat, and diet of stingrays.
National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/stingray
Supports: General facts on stingray type, habitat, size, and diet.
Live Science — https://www.livescience.com/what-are-stingrays.html
Supports: General biology, habitat range, and diet.
Discover Wildlife — https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/fish/stingray-facts
Supports: Behavior, habitat, diet, and Steve Irwin incident summary.
NCBI Bookshelf — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539785/
Supports: Distribution, species diversity, and injury context.